I thought I would be expecting some good news this week and I waited and waited.....and all I got... was a silent reply. A silent reply means only one thing which I dread and that is simply nothing. Purely nothing. No opportunities. Nothing at all. =(
This is frustrating. Time is running out....
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, November 23, 2012
LTA sets operating requirements for taxi companies
LTA sets operating requirements for taxi companies
By Dylan Loh | Posted: 23 November 2012 1137 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) has set minimum standards for taxi availability.
From January 2013, 70 per cent of all taxis, per cab company, will have to reach a minimum daily mileage of 250 kilometres.
This translates to around eight to nine hours on the road per day, five days a week.
Cab companies will also need to ensure that 70 per cent of their entire fleet are on the roads during the morning and evening peak periods.
Based on these indicators, authorities will evaluate if taxi firms are allowed to grow their fleet.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
By Dylan Loh | Posted: 23 November 2012 1137 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) has set minimum standards for taxi availability.
From January 2013, 70 per cent of all taxis, per cab company, will have to reach a minimum daily mileage of 250 kilometres.
This translates to around eight to nine hours on the road per day, five days a week.
Cab companies will also need to ensure that 70 per cent of their entire fleet are on the roads during the morning and evening peak periods.
Based on these indicators, authorities will evaluate if taxi firms are allowed to grow their fleet.
- CNA/xq
- wong chee tat :)
More PSLE students qualify for secondary schools
More PSLE students qualify for secondary schools
By Sharon See | Posted: 22 November 2012 1940 hrs
SINGAPORE: More students qualify for secondary schools this year as compared to last year, with 97.6 per cent obtaining a pass for the Primary School Leaving Examination.
The passing rate last year was 97.4 per cent.
This is also the first time that the Ministry of Education is not naming the top scorers in the national examination... in a break from its practice of many years.
At Nanyang Primary School, a sense of anticipation fills the air.
The school has done exceptionally well this year, with 45 students obtaining aggregate scores above 270, and a 100 per cent pass in English Language.
Among them was Shermaine Ang who obtained 275 points, and done so without any tuition.
Beyond good grades, the prefect is also an all-rounder, having clinched two good character awards while balancing her time between Chinese calligraphy and guzheng (a Chinese instrument) in school.
Shermaine Ang said: "I believe that enriching myself is important as well, not only by academic, but on a holistic one. Learning extra, not just to do well and succeed in life but more about learning about the culture, learning about other things, learn about how we can do many things besides studying. Studying's important too, but having other activities also helps you relax, relieve stress as well."
Seng Kang Primary School has also reported an improvement in the number of students who have obtained 250 points and above.
Naturally inquisitive Lee Xuan Jin credits the supportive environment in his school for helping him achieve 274 points.
He hopes to enter the Integrated Programme at Hwa Chong Institution.
Lee Xuan Jin said: "Hwa Chong Institution, it focuses more on the bilingual culture, so because I like both cultures, I would like to go to Hwa Chong, then I can expose myself to more knowledge."
Result slips show the highest aggregate score this year is 285.
And Channel NewsAsia understands that one student in Nanyang Primary is a top scorer in the PSLE.
It is the first time the MOE is not revealing the top scorer of the PSLE, and so far, reaction has been mixed. Some parents say it's a matter of time before they find out through word of mouth, while others say it does not matter to them who the top scorer is as long as their own children have done their best.
Internet forums like the one at kiasuparents.com, however, were abuzz with speculation on who the top scorer could be.
Jean Lai, a parent, said: "Actually I feel a little sad for children who have done really well because I think they should be honoured for what they have done for their good results."
Shermaine Ang added: "Personally I feel it's not a very good move because as a student, I understand how tough the competition is, and especially this year is the dragon year, so there're many more candidates taking the examination. I feel that if they release the result and tell us who the top scorer is, it's a benchmark for us, and we can do even better after this exam. It spurs our juniors on, makes them do even better.
"In recent years, the neighbourhood schools all that have got top scorers as well, so I think it's a really good motivation for the students from other schools as well, not only from my school, or other so-called brand-name schools. I don't believe there's a separation between brand-name and neighbourhood schools. I think we're all equal."
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat has said on his Facebook page the ministry's move in not naming the top scorer is "not to address stress per se, or move away from merit".
He said the PSLE is not the be-all and end-all, and there are now more avenues to recognise success.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
By Sharon See | Posted: 22 November 2012 1940 hrs
SINGAPORE: More students qualify for secondary schools this year as compared to last year, with 97.6 per cent obtaining a pass for the Primary School Leaving Examination.
The passing rate last year was 97.4 per cent.
This is also the first time that the Ministry of Education is not naming the top scorers in the national examination... in a break from its practice of many years.
At Nanyang Primary School, a sense of anticipation fills the air.
The school has done exceptionally well this year, with 45 students obtaining aggregate scores above 270, and a 100 per cent pass in English Language.
Among them was Shermaine Ang who obtained 275 points, and done so without any tuition.
Beyond good grades, the prefect is also an all-rounder, having clinched two good character awards while balancing her time between Chinese calligraphy and guzheng (a Chinese instrument) in school.
Shermaine Ang said: "I believe that enriching myself is important as well, not only by academic, but on a holistic one. Learning extra, not just to do well and succeed in life but more about learning about the culture, learning about other things, learn about how we can do many things besides studying. Studying's important too, but having other activities also helps you relax, relieve stress as well."
Seng Kang Primary School has also reported an improvement in the number of students who have obtained 250 points and above.
Naturally inquisitive Lee Xuan Jin credits the supportive environment in his school for helping him achieve 274 points.
He hopes to enter the Integrated Programme at Hwa Chong Institution.
Lee Xuan Jin said: "Hwa Chong Institution, it focuses more on the bilingual culture, so because I like both cultures, I would like to go to Hwa Chong, then I can expose myself to more knowledge."
Result slips show the highest aggregate score this year is 285.
And Channel NewsAsia understands that one student in Nanyang Primary is a top scorer in the PSLE.
It is the first time the MOE is not revealing the top scorer of the PSLE, and so far, reaction has been mixed. Some parents say it's a matter of time before they find out through word of mouth, while others say it does not matter to them who the top scorer is as long as their own children have done their best.
Internet forums like the one at kiasuparents.com, however, were abuzz with speculation on who the top scorer could be.
Jean Lai, a parent, said: "Actually I feel a little sad for children who have done really well because I think they should be honoured for what they have done for their good results."
Shermaine Ang added: "Personally I feel it's not a very good move because as a student, I understand how tough the competition is, and especially this year is the dragon year, so there're many more candidates taking the examination. I feel that if they release the result and tell us who the top scorer is, it's a benchmark for us, and we can do even better after this exam. It spurs our juniors on, makes them do even better.
"In recent years, the neighbourhood schools all that have got top scorers as well, so I think it's a really good motivation for the students from other schools as well, not only from my school, or other so-called brand-name schools. I don't believe there's a separation between brand-name and neighbourhood schools. I think we're all equal."
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat has said on his Facebook page the ministry's move in not naming the top scorer is "not to address stress per se, or move away from merit".
He said the PSLE is not the be-all and end-all, and there are now more avenues to recognise success.
- CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
MSF appoints 2 new subsidised Senior Home Care service providers
MSF appoints 2 new subsidised Senior Home Care service providers
Posted: 22 November 2012 1836 hrs
SINGAPORE: From December 17, there will be another 400 more subsidised places for senior home care to help families with frail elderly and persons with disability.
This comes as the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) expands the subsidised Senior Home Care services from mid-December, by appointing two new private sector providers -- ECON Healthcare Group and Lentor Residence.
Currently, eligible users of the Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO) services receive mean-tested MSF subsidies.
These subsidies will be extended to eligible users of the two new private sector operators.
Families with a frail elderly or person with disability, and with monthly per capita household income of up to S$2,200, can qualify for the subsidies.
They can expect to receive government subsidies ranging from S$12 to S$150 per week.
MSF said with this extension, families will benefit from more choices and greater support in home care for frail seniors and people with disability.
The expansion of Senior Home Care is in line with MSF's long-term plan to extend home care services to about 4,000 elderly and people with disability by 2016.
It will also help families with frail elderly and people with disability who may need home care services when the mandatory day off for foreign domestic workers is implemented in January.
Today, about 350 families are served by three VWOs, namely NTUC Eldercare, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities and TOUCH Community Services.
Minister of State for Social and Family Development, Madam Halimah Yacob, said: "This expansion of subsidised home care services through the appointment of two private sector providers is in line with our long-term plans to expand home care to cater to our ageing population.
"More immediately, it will also benefit families who need home care services for their elderly or disabled family members when their domestic workers have their mandatory day off."
Caregivers, families and persons needing care can contact the Centre for Enabled Living at 1800-8585-885 or visit www.cel.sg.
- CNA/lp
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 22 November 2012 1836 hrs
SINGAPORE: From December 17, there will be another 400 more subsidised places for senior home care to help families with frail elderly and persons with disability.
This comes as the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) expands the subsidised Senior Home Care services from mid-December, by appointing two new private sector providers -- ECON Healthcare Group and Lentor Residence.
Currently, eligible users of the Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO) services receive mean-tested MSF subsidies.
These subsidies will be extended to eligible users of the two new private sector operators.
Families with a frail elderly or person with disability, and with monthly per capita household income of up to S$2,200, can qualify for the subsidies.
They can expect to receive government subsidies ranging from S$12 to S$150 per week.
MSF said with this extension, families will benefit from more choices and greater support in home care for frail seniors and people with disability.
The expansion of Senior Home Care is in line with MSF's long-term plan to extend home care services to about 4,000 elderly and people with disability by 2016.
It will also help families with frail elderly and people with disability who may need home care services when the mandatory day off for foreign domestic workers is implemented in January.
Today, about 350 families are served by three VWOs, namely NTUC Eldercare, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities and TOUCH Community Services.
Minister of State for Social and Family Development, Madam Halimah Yacob, said: "This expansion of subsidised home care services through the appointment of two private sector providers is in line with our long-term plans to expand home care to cater to our ageing population.
"More immediately, it will also benefit families who need home care services for their elderly or disabled family members when their domestic workers have their mandatory day off."
Caregivers, families and persons needing care can contact the Centre for Enabled Living at 1800-8585-885 or visit www.cel.sg.
- CNA/lp
- wong chee tat :)
Newly-launched Clifford Capital says it has "decent pipeline" of projects
Newly-launched Clifford Capital says it has "decent pipeline" of projects
By Linette Lim | Posted: 22 November 2012 2350 hrs
SINGAPORE: Specialist finance firm Clifford Capital launches its operations Thursday on a firm footing.
The company, backed by a consortium of shareholders that includes Temasek Holdings, DBS Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Manulife through its unit, John Hancock Life Insurance Company and Prudential Assurance Company Singapore, said it already has a "decent pipeline" of transactions which are spread across broad geographic regions.
The firm, which provides financing to Singapore corporates in bidding for large, long-tenor projects overseas, expects to operate at a steady state within the next two to three years.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Chairman at Monetary Authority of Singapore said: "We are well placed -- the community here, of financial institutions, multilateral development institutions, government working together with Clifford Capital and professional specialists -- we are well placed as a community in Singapore to help to catalyse the development of infrastructural finance in Asia and beyond."
The company aims to have 80 percent of its portfolio comprising projects that involves Singapore-based firms.
These refer to companies listed or incorporated in Singapore with a material presence in the city state.
In turn, the Singapore government will back debt instruments issued by Clifford Capital with a guarantee.
Clive Kerner, CEO of Clifford Capital said: "The debt is guaranteed by the government of Singapore, which is in turn, triple A.
"If you compare that situation with many of the banks in the world at the moment, I'm not sure there are any banks that actually have triple A credit rating, so what that will do is give us a very low cost of funding and we think we'll be able to pass that benefit on to our clients in the form of attractive financing solutions."
Over the next decade, the Asian Development Bank estimates that there will be about US$8.3 trillion worth of infrastructure investment in Asia.
But at the same time, the cost of funding these investments is up.
Ray Ferguson, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Singapore said: "The rules around Basel III and banks make long term financing harder for banks to provide, particularly financing beyond the sort of five-year level, because it's very difficult for us to get matching deposits.
"So Clifford can come in take the longer term tranches of some of those deals."
For a start, Clifford Capital will focus on financing the infrastructure and offshore and marine sectors with an average deal size of US$50 to US$100 million.
These are the sectors which Singapore firms have the competitive advantage.
- CNA/lp
- wong chee tat :)
By Linette Lim | Posted: 22 November 2012 2350 hrs
SINGAPORE: Specialist finance firm Clifford Capital launches its operations Thursday on a firm footing.
The company, backed by a consortium of shareholders that includes Temasek Holdings, DBS Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Manulife through its unit, John Hancock Life Insurance Company and Prudential Assurance Company Singapore, said it already has a "decent pipeline" of transactions which are spread across broad geographic regions.
The firm, which provides financing to Singapore corporates in bidding for large, long-tenor projects overseas, expects to operate at a steady state within the next two to three years.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Chairman at Monetary Authority of Singapore said: "We are well placed -- the community here, of financial institutions, multilateral development institutions, government working together with Clifford Capital and professional specialists -- we are well placed as a community in Singapore to help to catalyse the development of infrastructural finance in Asia and beyond."
The company aims to have 80 percent of its portfolio comprising projects that involves Singapore-based firms.
These refer to companies listed or incorporated in Singapore with a material presence in the city state.
In turn, the Singapore government will back debt instruments issued by Clifford Capital with a guarantee.
Clive Kerner, CEO of Clifford Capital said: "The debt is guaranteed by the government of Singapore, which is in turn, triple A.
"If you compare that situation with many of the banks in the world at the moment, I'm not sure there are any banks that actually have triple A credit rating, so what that will do is give us a very low cost of funding and we think we'll be able to pass that benefit on to our clients in the form of attractive financing solutions."
Over the next decade, the Asian Development Bank estimates that there will be about US$8.3 trillion worth of infrastructure investment in Asia.
But at the same time, the cost of funding these investments is up.
Ray Ferguson, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Singapore said: "The rules around Basel III and banks make long term financing harder for banks to provide, particularly financing beyond the sort of five-year level, because it's very difficult for us to get matching deposits.
"So Clifford can come in take the longer term tranches of some of those deals."
For a start, Clifford Capital will focus on financing the infrastructure and offshore and marine sectors with an average deal size of US$50 to US$100 million.
These are the sectors which Singapore firms have the competitive advantage.
- CNA/lp
- wong chee tat :)
小六会考：全国及格率微升 最高分285
11/22/2012 22:00
小六会考：全国及格率微升 最高分285
小六会考成绩放榜，有97.6%的考生成功升上中学，比去年97.4%的全国及格率高，最高分数的是285分。据本台了解，南洋小学就有学生考获这个成绩。
教育部今年第一次不再公布状元名单，以鼓励学生要追求全面发展。教育部长王瑞杰在他的面簿上表示，无论孩子的成绩如何，他都希望父母给予支持和鼓励，协助他们在下一个学习阶段中成长，建立自信心和韧性，长大后才有望取得更高的成就。
与此同时，一改过去个别表扬学生的做法，成康小学则分批让优异考生集体接受全校喝彩。
成功克服逆境的考生也获表扬。来自小康家庭的李宣進，是全校最优异的学生，考获274分。热爱中华文化的他希望报读华侨中学。
“有一次就我的数学就没有拿到我所期望的那么高，我很伤心，之后也几次出现这样的情况，所以我就告诉自己要发奋图强，就一直努力下去。”这名成康小学的小状元这么告诉记者。
至于学林小学蔡慧敏，则是师长眼中的模范生，尽管家庭财务状况不理想，须接受学校经济援助，但生活的困境没有影响她的奋斗心，最终考获260分佳绩。她希望报读南洋女中。
为什么会选择这间中学，蔡慧敏表示，这是她妈妈儿时的愿望。
“我想帮她达成心愿，而且听朋友说那里的教育品德非常好。” 蔡慧敏这么表示。
- wong chee tat :)
小六会考：全国及格率微升 最高分285
小六会考成绩放榜，有97.6%的考生成功升上中学，比去年97.4%的全国及格率高，最高分数的是285分。据本台了解，南洋小学就有学生考获这个成绩。
教育部今年第一次不再公布状元名单，以鼓励学生要追求全面发展。教育部长王瑞杰在他的面簿上表示，无论孩子的成绩如何，他都希望父母给予支持和鼓励，协助他们在下一个学习阶段中成长，建立自信心和韧性，长大后才有望取得更高的成就。
与此同时，一改过去个别表扬学生的做法，成康小学则分批让优异考生集体接受全校喝彩。
成功克服逆境的考生也获表扬。来自小康家庭的李宣進，是全校最优异的学生，考获274分。热爱中华文化的他希望报读华侨中学。
“有一次就我的数学就没有拿到我所期望的那么高，我很伤心，之后也几次出现这样的情况，所以我就告诉自己要发奋图强，就一直努力下去。”这名成康小学的小状元这么告诉记者。
至于学林小学蔡慧敏，则是师长眼中的模范生，尽管家庭财务状况不理想，须接受学校经济援助，但生活的困境没有影响她的奋斗心，最终考获260分佳绩。她希望报读南洋女中。
为什么会选择这间中学，蔡慧敏表示，这是她妈妈儿时的愿望。
“我想帮她达成心愿，而且听朋友说那里的教育品德非常好。” 蔡慧敏这么表示。
- wong chee tat :)
97.6% of students pass PSLE
97.6% of students pass PSLE
Posted: 22 November 2012 1555 hrs
SINGAPORE: 97.6 percent of students who sat for this year's PSLE are eligible to progress to secondary school.
A total of 48,333 Primary 6 students sat for the PSLE this year.
47,163 of them passed the examination.
63.1% qualify for the Express course, 23.1% for the Normal (Academic) and 11.4% for the Normal (Technical) course.
There are 1,170 students (or 2.4%) who are assessed to be not yet ready for secondary school.
Students collected their PSLE results from their respective schools from noon on Thursday.
Result slips obtained by Channel NewsAsia showed that the highest aggregate score for this year's Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is 285.
Students eligible to progress to secondary school could select their school and submit their forms before 3pm on 28 November.
The Secondary One posting results will be released on 19 December.
Ahead of the release of this year's PSLE results, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said it will stop the practice of listing the top students for PSLE.
This is in line with the importance of recognising the students for their holistic development and all-round excellence.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Primary School Leaving Examination is far from the only thing which counts.
In a posting on his Facebook page, Mr Lee said students must also develop good moral values, strong social skills, and a sense of duty to their families and nation.
He said these are not in the PSLE syllabus, but they are important to a fulfilling and productive life.
He said Singapore's education system offers many pathways and opportunities, and students should make the most of them.
They should study hard, but also make time to play and pursue their passions.
One parent MediaCorp spoke to said the move may be a good start to changing parents' mindset.
But Jean Lai, a mother whose child has just completed her PSLE, believes there's still some way to go before the desired outcome can be achieved.
She added that "probably, this is not the only way to change the mindset of parents. This is not stopping the root of the problem. Actually I feel a little sad for children who have done really well, because I think they should be honoured for what they have done for their good results."
Mrs Lai believes there are other more important ways to manage students' stress about the PSLE.
She said: "The system has to change to cater for a mindset shift in the future, especially the way we are testing children in schools. PSLE is a way to get into a good secondary school education. Probably they also have to change the (secondary school admissions system)."
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 22 November 2012 1555 hrs
SINGAPORE: 97.6 percent of students who sat for this year's PSLE are eligible to progress to secondary school.
A total of 48,333 Primary 6 students sat for the PSLE this year.
47,163 of them passed the examination.
63.1% qualify for the Express course, 23.1% for the Normal (Academic) and 11.4% for the Normal (Technical) course.
There are 1,170 students (or 2.4%) who are assessed to be not yet ready for secondary school.
Students collected their PSLE results from their respective schools from noon on Thursday.
Result slips obtained by Channel NewsAsia showed that the highest aggregate score for this year's Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is 285.
Students eligible to progress to secondary school could select their school and submit their forms before 3pm on 28 November.
The Secondary One posting results will be released on 19 December.
Ahead of the release of this year's PSLE results, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said it will stop the practice of listing the top students for PSLE.
This is in line with the importance of recognising the students for their holistic development and all-round excellence.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Primary School Leaving Examination is far from the only thing which counts.
In a posting on his Facebook page, Mr Lee said students must also develop good moral values, strong social skills, and a sense of duty to their families and nation.
He said these are not in the PSLE syllabus, but they are important to a fulfilling and productive life.
He said Singapore's education system offers many pathways and opportunities, and students should make the most of them.
They should study hard, but also make time to play and pursue their passions.
One parent MediaCorp spoke to said the move may be a good start to changing parents' mindset.
But Jean Lai, a mother whose child has just completed her PSLE, believes there's still some way to go before the desired outcome can be achieved.
She added that "probably, this is not the only way to change the mindset of parents. This is not stopping the root of the problem. Actually I feel a little sad for children who have done really well, because I think they should be honoured for what they have done for their good results."
Mrs Lai believes there are other more important ways to manage students' stress about the PSLE.
She said: "The system has to change to cater for a mindset shift in the future, especially the way we are testing children in schools. PSLE is a way to get into a good secondary school education. Probably they also have to change the (secondary school admissions system)."
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)